Origin and Evolution of Modern Man and Language
1
2018-2019
02004836
Biology
Portuguese
English
Face-to-face
SEMESTRIAL
6.0
Elective
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado
Recommended Prerequisites
Paleoanthropology and First Hominins and the genus Homo.
Teaching Methods
Theoretical classes
Practical classes with the fóssil casts
Discussion of recent cases
Discussion of some scientific articles.
Learning Outcomes
This unit aims to provide the knowledge on the last phases of human evolution, namely the emergence and evolution of modern humans and language.
Work Placement(s)
NoSyllabus
Homo erectus and the first out of Africa
Hominins from Asia and Africa from Middle Pleistocene.
Origin of moder humans: the different models
Genetics and recent human evolution.
A technological perspective of Homo evolution
The evolution of human diversity.
The colonization of Australia and of the New World
The Portuguese case
Introduction to brain evolution
Forms of communication in Primates.
Human language
Testimonies of language evolution
Paleoneurology.
Head Lecturer(s)
Cláudia Isabel Soares Umbelino
Assessment Methods
Assessment
Mini Tests: 30.0%
Synthesis work: 70.0%
Bibliography
Cunha,E. 2010. Como nos tornámos humanos. Coimbra. Imprensa da Universidade.
Mithen,S.1996. The Prehistory of mind. The cognitive origins of art and science. Thames and Hudson.
Deacon,T. 1997. The symbolic species. The co-evolution of language and the human brain. Allen Lane.
Jablonski,N.; Aiello,L. (ed). 1998. The origin and diversification of language. University of California Press.
Tattersall, I. 1998. Becoming human. Evolution and human uniqueness. NY. Harcourt Brace & Company